Don't Undercut The Meds In Section 0
A Part A-stay resident receives an anti-nausea medication during chemotherapy at a freestanding center. Would you code this medication in counting the total number of medications in 01 (number of medications)?
Answer: Yes. When coding 01 (number of medications), count all of the resident's medications in the seven-day assessment period. "All medications administered offsite (e.g., while receiving dialysis or chemotherapy) must be considered when coding this item," according to the RAI user's manual. Facilities are responsible for communicating with the outpatient site to find out if the resident received any medications while there, and must monitor the resident for the effect of the medication (including adverse effects) when he returns to the facility. (p. 3-177)